Ingredients
Scale
- 2 moulard magret duck breasts, about 12 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup apple compote
- 12 asparagus spears, trimmed
- 2 cups fresh arugula
- 1 cup brown sauce or demi glace, warmed
Instructions
- Pat the duck breasts dry and score the skin in a cross pattern without cutting into the meat. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Place the duck skin side down in a cold heavy skillet. Turn the heat to medium and allow the fat to render slowly for 6 to 8 minutes, carefully pouring off excess fat as it accumulates.
- Flip the duck and cook on the meat side for 4 to 5 minutes for medium rare. Add fresh thyme during the last minute of cooking.
- Check the internal temperature and aim for 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare doneness.
- Remove the duck from the pan and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Lightly cook or steam the asparagus until just tender while the duck rests.
- Arrange sliced duck on plates with asparagus, fresh arugula, apple compote, and warm brown sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Start with a cold pan to ensure proper fat rendering and crispy skin.
- Do not skip the resting period to keep the meat juicy.
- Save rendered duck fat for roasting vegetables or potatoes.
- Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: moulard magret duck, pan seared duck breast, french duck recipe, crispy duck skin, medium rare duck